Phantom Limited Slip Diff?

[Clodbuster]

2016 RAM 1500 4x4 Hemi 8 speed.

Just how does the limited slip diff work in this truck?

When both tires are jacked up, transmission in park, the rear wheels rotate in opposite directions when one is turned by hand. Just the same as an open diff works.

Left rear tire slightly off of the ground, lifted by a floor jack, 2x4 blocks in front of the front tires, engine running, trans in drive, and the left rear spins just like an open diff.

My window sticker lists that it is supposed to have the limited slip rear diff, and the parts book shows one with clutches in it.

What is going on with my truck?

 

[savage_46]

It's normal to do that on the newer trucks. My theory is so that ABS & ESP can do a better job. If the diff clutches still worked based on old school theory (both tires rotating in same direction with low traction), then ABS & ESP wouldn't be able to do as good of job. Trying to slow down one wheel with a strong clutch in the middle would affect the other side wheel.

 

[Tach_tech]

Savage is right, the newer clutches aren’t nearly as aggressive. The newer clutches require a bit of torque to actually apply, they won’t just grip the second there’s a difference in wheel speed from left to right.

 

[savage_46]

...the newer clutches aren’t nearly as aggressive. The newer clutches require a bit of torque to actually apply...

Could be why the clutch pack clips almost never fail on a unmodified 4th gen compared to pretty much every 3rd gen needing a rebuild.

 

[Tach_tech]

Could be why the clutch pack clips almost never fail on a unmodified 4th gen compared to pretty much every 3rd gen needing a rebuild.

That’s been my theory as well.

 

[Clodbuster]

Well, the truck does seem to spin both tires during normal loss of traction events while driving, or off road working on the farm, but I treat this pickup quite gently.

So it seems that RAM has made these limited slip units so mild that they have good manners in parking lots, but not to actually move the pickup if one wheel has no traction.

Ugh. Looks like I need to install a locker if I ever want it to really perform! (...or buy a Power Wagon with electric lockers!)

 

[Pull Ya]

^^^^ It's only money
Jay

 

[Clodbuster]

Thanks Jay, very true!

I've only been stuck once in 30,000 miles so I'll probably leave well enough alone.

If I ever order a new truck I would probably get the open diff and then put in a lunchbox locker.